News

Shirley Wild: Community Foundation gives nonprofits a break

By Shirley Wild, Columnist

Posted:
01/12/2013 09:56:16 PM PST

Updated:
01/13/2013 12:53:15 PM PST

Dorothy Wise, seated at left; Jean Bixby Smith; Jim Worsham, standing at left, Leo Vander Lans and Kevin McGuan are among the supporters of the Long Beach Community Foundation. The organization received a building from the Community Welfare Federation.

Chairman of the Long Beach Community Foundation, Jim Worsham, welcomed 60 or so supporters at a special event held at the Petroleum Club. The social reception was held to celebrate a generous gift from the Long Beach Community Welfare Federation.

As the Community Welfare Federation wound up its operations and dissolved, it transferred all assets to the Long Beach Community Foundation -- including the building known as the Freeman Fairfield United Way Long Beach/South Bay Service Center, located at 3515 Linden Ave.

Worsham announced, under the ownership of the Long Beach Community Foundation, the building will continue to be used as a multi-tenant office facility. It will continue to be rented exclusively to nonprofit organizations at "below market" rents and will provide amenities such as shared office resources and conference rooms.

Special guests were introduced: Chairman of the Community Welfare Federation, Leo Vander Lans (with Judith); board member Dorothy Wise; attorney Paul Carter; Leslie Gentile, the architect who will assist in the refurbishment and improvements of the building; Mike Zeke, the head of Jordan High School's ACE Academy who will supervise the work done at the property; and Change Agent Productions, a social enterprise operated by the Greater Long Beach YMCA, recorded the event to help tell the story of the transfer and transformation of the unique facility.

Founders were recognized with the foundation's newly created charity giving cards. Cards are purchased for a gift that the recipient may redeem to benefit any 501(c)(3) organization.

Cal State Long Beach's Robert Schlesinger, left, and Advocacy for Respect and Choice President Marion Lieberman were honored during the “Make a Difference” inaugural fundraiser to benefit adults with developmental disabilities. Joining them at the fundraiser is AR&C's executive director, Harry Van Loon, right.

Make a Difference

"Make a Difference" was the theme of a recent inaugural fundraising event that was held at The Grand. The evening raised more than $12,000 to benefit Advocacy for Respect and Choice, serving adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, and Disabled Student Services Alumni of CSULB. Honored were Marion Lieberman, president of the AR&C group, and Robert Schlesinger, from CSULB. Also honored was Betty Karnette, former California assemblywoman and senator with the "Outstanding Community Advocate" Award.

One hundred or so supporters enjoyed a lively evening with celebrity masters of ceremonies Jim Colucci, "Mr. T.V. and Editor of "CBS Watch Magazine," and comedian Frank De Caro, Sirius XM radio show host. Included were silent and live auctions and a raffle for a week in Kona, Hawaii.

Auction highlights: a script from the TV show "General Hospital," a Blu-Ray and DVD home theater system, a Casio keyboard, a Westinghouse 40-inch flat- screen TV, a DVD burner with 25 blank DVDs, hand scanner, panini maker and a table top popcorn popper, dinner for two at the Magic Castle, two tickets for the Cleopatra exhibit at the California Science Center, two tickets to the Long Beach Playhouse and 24 pieces of jewelry from J&L Jewelers.

Among the raffle items were tickets to the L.A. Dodgers, to Pretend City, to The Improv, Knotts Berry Farm, and dinner certificates to Enrique's Restaurant and K Pasta.

DSS Executive Director David Sanfilippo and AR&C Executive Director Harry Van Loon said they were pleased to join together to raise funds to help people with disabilities reach their highest potential. The fundraiser brought much needed resources to both organizations while raising public awareness of programs both organizations offer.

News of social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net or by fax to 562-594-9668. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information. Please check the website for coverage of additional events: wwwpresstelegram.com/social.